ISS Weekly Issue 9, 2012

Issue 9

16 March 2012

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The-African.org

Corruption busters needed

On 6 March 2012, leaders Benghazi, Libya called for the semi-autonomy of Cyrenaica in the eastern region of Libya. The country is now on the verge of divisions that could lead to further dissent. Considering the history and current instability of Libya, the call for semi-autonomy is not surprising.

Events

Addis Ababa 27 March: The AU Report on AU and UN partnership

Acting on the request of the AU Assembly for preparing and submitting a report on the African Union’s (AU) strategic vision of the cooperation between the AU and the UN, the Chairperson of the AU Commission submitted a report to the Peace and Security Council (PSC) at the 307th session of the PSC held on 9 January 2012.

This seminar is organized to provide a forum for deliberating on these and related issues that this valuable AU report raises and to achieve some understanding about its implications and expected outcomes.

More Information

Pretoria, 18 April: South African Heritage Under Attack: from Rhinos to Pierneef’s - What is Going on?

The natural and cultural heritage of South Africa has been under fierce attack for the past few years. Media reports of poached rhinos, and priceless sculptures and paintings being stolen from Galleries and Museums compete for attention amidst reports of rapes and robberies. What is being done to address these crimes and to ensure that our natural and cultural heritage is preserved for posterity? Presenters from the South African Police Service, the South African Heritage Resources Agency and the University of South Africa will tackle these issues. They will discuss some ideas and thoughts on the current status and possible contributing factors as well as consider some possible solutions.

More Information

NewsFlash!

On 14 March 2012, the ICC issued its first verdict. The ICC found that Thomas Lubanga Dyilo is guilty of the war crimes of conscripting and enlisting children under the age of 15 and using them to participate in hostilities.

The sentence hearing will take place at a later undetermined date. The defence is entitled to appeal the conviction within 30 days of receiving the French translation of the Judgment.

For expert ISS media comment contact Ottilia Anna Maunganidze, (International Criminal Justice, Researcher Transnational Threats and International Crimes Division) on [email protected]

ISS Today

Effective Taxation Critical to Nation Building

Patrick McLennan, Consultant, Transnational Threats and International Crime, ISS Cape Town

Taxation is vitally important to building the capacity of a nation. However, it seems many taxation systems in Africa are abused through corruption and have an over-reliance on exported commodities.

Read more...

The AU Seeks Clarity on Immunity of State Officials Under International Law

Max du Plessis, Senior Research Associate, Transnational Threats and International Crime Division, ISS Pretoria and Associate Professor, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban

In the latest decision of the AU Assembly relating to the International Criminal Court, member states raised the important new issue of immunities for heads of state under international law and are seeking clarity from the International Court of Justice on the matter. AU member states should be given credit for addressing the ICC issue within an international legal framework.